A PETITION calling for a statue of late music sensation Keith Flint to be installed in Braintree town centre is set to go before by councillors.

Braintree Council will discuss the plans for a permanent memorial to the Prodigy frontman, who died in March, during a full council meeting on Monday.

The petition, which has attracted national attention, has been signed more than 10,000 times, with at least 1,000 of those believed to have come from residents living in the Braintree district but it has also attracted national and international signatories.

The campaign was started by resident Saphya Gower and her partner Dave Parris in the days after the death of the ‘Firestarter’ singer.

The petition reads: “Keith was important to not only the people of Braintree, but was well loved and respected world wide and a pivotal piece of the music industry.

“Braintree being the Prodigy’s home town, we should remember him. It’ll also reflect how important it is to talk about mental health and not to suffer alone.

“If neighbouring Colchester can stick a statue of an elephant that no one wants on a roundabout at huge costs and widespread ridicule then I feel Braintree has an opportunity here to pay homage and honour its most famous son.

“An inspiration to millions like Keith showed that if you put your mind to it anything is possible and the Prodigy were the single most iconic act of at least three generations of music-lovers.

“A statue of Keith is needed to look over Braintree and carry on inspiring the people to follow their dreams.”

Keith’s death at his home near Dunmow prompted artists to pay their respects by painting murals in places such Southend and Peterborough.

A spokesman for Braintree Council said: “We can confirm that we have received a petition signed by 10,162 people.

“This will be presented to full council on July 22 and debated by councillors.”